Virgil Suess

Virgil Raymond Suess
January 13, 1931 - December 22, 2025

Virgil Raymond Suess was born on January 13, 1931 and went to be with the Lord on December 22, 2025 at the age of 94 years. Virgil was born and lived the first twelve years of life on a small farm near Three Hills, Alberta, Canada. Virgil, his six siblings and parents relocated to Lodi, California where he lived most of his life. He attended Needham School, graduated from Lodi High School and enlisted in the United States Air Force.

Virgil was preceded in death by his wife Verla Suess; parents Edwin and Freda Suess; four brothers - Forrest, Leroy, Reuben and Ivan; one sister, Ramona Ottman; and grandson Aaron Morris. Virgil is survived by his son Skip Suess and wife Denise; daughter Wendy Morris and husband Don; brother Kelly Suess; grandchildren Kendra Morris; Cameron Morris; Ryan Suess; Rachel Davidson; Rebecca Suess; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Virgil met and began dating Verla Hochhalter when he was 18 and she was 15 and were engaged when Verla started her senior year of high school. Upon her graduation from high school, off she went, by herself, to England, where Virgil was stationed and the two were married. After his discharge from the service, the couple moved back to Lodi. Virgil began a lifelong career working for his father-in-law Ted Hochhalter at Lodi Nut Company and later became owner with his brother Kelly. Together they ran the business overseeing employees and plant operations. Virgil and Kelly later started ShellPro, a walnut shell grinding business. After selling Lodi Nut Company and retiring in 2011, his wife Verla died unexpectedly. Virgil soon moved to St. Petersburg, Florida to live closer to his daughter Wendy and lived there until his death.

Virgil was a hard worker and respected leader, boss, and businessman. While working at the Lodi Nut Company, Virgil took on night classes at Humphrey College in Stockton, CA, completing his Associate Arts degree in business. He prided himself in saying “he was a jack of all skills and master of none!” He was self-taught in electrical work, welding, carpentry, mechanic work and was able to do whatever needed to be done to keep machinery working and the plant operational.

Virgil loved traveling and vacationing with Verla, both abroad and visiting their daughter’s family in Florida and their son’s family in Washington. Family was a very important part of his life and he was loved deeply by his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Virgil had a deep personal faith in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He served the Lord faithfully as choir director, Sunday School teacher, deacon and held numerous church leadership positions. He was active and enjoyed his involvement in the Lodi Rotary Club and served a term as club president. He had a lifelong love for music, singing in the church choir and playing the baritone in the Lodi Community Band until moving to Florida.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday February 13, 2026 at 1 pm at Vinewood Community Church 1900 W. Vine St. Lodi, CA.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Suess family.

Please leave your condolences below. 

Robert H. Martinez

Robert H. Martinez
April 3, 1958 - December 21, 2025

Robert was born on April 3, 1958, in El Centro, California, the firstborn of Rosa Heraz and Roberto Martinez. From the beginning, he carried a quiet strength and a deep sense of purpose. In his early twenties, Robert found God—an experience that transformed his life and set him on a path of deep devotion. His faith became his foundation, guiding his choices, shaping his character, and inspiring a lifetime committed to service.

Throughout his life, Robert was a loyal member of many church organizations and communities. Most recently, he found a spiritual home at LifeSong here in Stockton, California. Robert formed strong friendships with pastors, participated in countless church activities, and was known as someone who was always ready to lend a hand. He didn’t simply attend church; he lived his faith in action—openly, generously, and consistently.

Robert’s heart for service extended far beyond Sunday mornings. With more than twenty years of experience as a substance abuse counselor, he dedicated his life to walking alongside those fighting for recovery. His work took him across the United States and to the Philippines, where his compassion and belief in human dignity touched countless lives. With his own remarkable 46 years of sobriety, Robert offered a unique blend of wisdom, understanding, and hope.

Even in his spare time, Robert chose to serve. He volunteered at local prisons, counseling recovering addicts and offering them the same encouragement and belief that had guided his own journey. He understood the struggles people carried, and he met them with patience, dignity, and unwavering hope. For many, he was not just a counselor—he was a light in the darkness, a reminder that change was possible, and a voice that said, “You are not alone.”

Robert also pursued personal passions with the same dedication he brought to his service. Among them was Kung Fu, a discipline through which he earned a black belt and became an instructor. His commitment to martial arts reflected his character—disciplined, patient, and always striving to grow.

And yet, of all the roles he held, none meant more to Robert than being a family man. His love for his family ran deep and true. He celebrated their joys, supported their struggles, and carried an unshakable pride in each of them. His family was his heart, his peace, and his greatest blessing.

Robert leaves behind a legacy defined by faith, service, and love. He lifted people when they felt lost, offered hope when they felt broken, and showed us all what it means to live a life of purpose. Though we feel the weight of his absence, we carry with us the light of his example—an example that will continue to guide us.

May we honor Robert by living with the same compassion, strength, and unwavering faith that he carried throughout his life. May his memory be a blessing and his legacy a beacon for all who knew him.

Robert, thank you for the lives you touched, the burdens you lifted, and the faith you lived so fully. May you rest in peace, embraced by the God you served so faithfully.

Robert is survived by his wife, Adelina Indoy Martinez; children: Honey Mae Martinez, Apple Marie Martinez, Maritza Maldonado, Kendel Magnone, Jorden Magnone and Erasmo Maldonado (son-in-law); grandchildren: Tamara Maldonado, Isabela Rose Maldonado, and Ashley Maldonado; great grandchildren: Carson, Everly Stewart, and Bella Johnson. He is also survived by his siblings: John Heraz, Mario Martinez, Alicia Heraz, Sandra Martinez, Sarah Heraz, Cathy Martinez, Wally Jackson, Robert Haros Martinez, Paul Lewenthal, Diana Lewenthal, Angela Martinez, and Glenda Mabel Martinez.

He is preceded in death by his parents Roberto A. Martinez and Rosa M. Heraz; previous wife Pamala Martinez, and siblings Salvador Heraz and Guadalupe Heraz Jackson.

Robert, thank you for the lives you touched, the burdens you lifted, and the faith you lived so fully. May you rest in peace, embraced by the God you served so faithfully.

SERVICE
 A memorial service will be held at 12:30pm on Friday, January 16th, 2026 at Cherokee Memorial Park, located off Highway 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi CA, 95240.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Martinez family.

Please leave your condolences below.

Gloria Rocha Caldera

Gloria Rocha Caldera, 2025
May 1, 1963 - December 20, 2025

Visitation
Visitation will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026 from 5:00pm-8:00pm Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

Rosary
Rosary will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026 at 6:00pm Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

Service
Service will be help Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 10:00am at St. Joachim Catholic Church 13392 E Lockeford Ranch Rd, Lockeford, CA 95237.

Graveside to follow  Cherokee Memorial Park, located off Highway 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi CA, 95240.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Caldera family.

Please leave your condolences below.

Lydia Prieto-Chase

September 20, 1969 - December 20, 2025

SERVICE
 A service will be held at 10:00am on Friday, January 16th, 2026 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240. A reception will follow at the J Charles Irwin Reception Center in Cherokee Memorial Park, located off Highway 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi CA, 95240.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Prieto-Chase family.

Geraldine “Jeri” Garibaldi Fields

July 17, 1938 - December 19, 2025

Geraldine “Jeri” Garibaldi Fields, born July 17, 1938, in Stockton, California, to Willis and Willene (Evington) Henderson, passed away peacefully on December 19, 2025.

She attended El Dorado School, Stockton High School and College, and graduated from the University of the Pacific in 1960 with a degree in History.

Jeri devoted more than 30 years to serving families as a social worker with the San Joaquin County Department of Human Services, where she formed lifelong friendships. Though an only child, she built a wide circle of cherished friends through many social, civic, and community groups, lovingly calling them her “Legacy Quilt.”

In 2015, Jeri reunited with her high school sweetheart, Al Fields, and they married, sharing a joyful life of travel, dancing, and golf. Their enduring love was evident to all.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her former husband, and her beloved pug, Diva. She is survived by her children Lysa (Bob) Neitzke, Gina Sommers, Kirk Sommers, and Michael (Jennifer) Garibaldi; grandchildren Derek Garibaldi, Brittany (Mitchell) Wild, Jordan Garibaldi, Easton Garibaldi, and Cheyanne Morris; great- grandson Edward Garibaldi; half-brother Bill Henderson; and several cousins.

The family expresses their gratitude to the care providers at Hospice of San Joaquin County.

SERVICE
A service will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 11:00am at Central United Methodist Church. Reception to follow.

Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of San Joaquin County, Central United Methodist Church, or O’Connor Woods Employee Fund, Stockton, CA.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to the Garibaldi Fields family.

Thelma Maxine Harper

Thelma Maxine Harper

October 8, 1933 - December 19, 2025

Thelma Maxine Harper, age 92, peacefully passed away on December 19, 2025, in Fremont, California. Born on October 8, 1933, in Stroud, Oklahoma, Maxine was the beloved second child of Jesse and Alma Smith, growing up alongside her three cherished brothers: Bill, Jim, and Vern.

In 1951, Maxine married the love of her life, James Harper. Together, they built a warm and loving home, welcoming their daughter Shirley and son John. Robert Lincoln, who has been like a son to the family, also shared in their close-knit bond. Maxine’s legacy continues through her four grandchildren—Amy, Amanda, Trenton, and Cameron—and her great-grandchildren, Norah and Cleo, all of whom brought her immense joy and pride.

Maxine’s life was rich with creativity, dedication, and service. Alongside her years on the family farm, she found fulfillment in cake decorating, bowling, bookkeeping, stained glass artistry, sewing, and quilting. Her hands were rarely idle, and her heart was always open. She was deeply involved in her church, where her faith and kindness touched many lives.

Thelma Maxine Harper will be remembered for her unwavering love for family, her creative spirit, and her active role in her community and church. Her warmth, generosity, and zest for life leave a lasting impression on all who knew her. Maxine’s legacy lives on in the hearts of her family and friends, who will cherish her memory forever.

Service

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2025 at 1:30pm at Cherokee Memorial Park, located off of Highway 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi, CA 95240.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Harper family.

John Kuan Huie

John Kuan Huie
February 2, 1926 - December 18, 2025

John Kuan Huie, who was very proud and happy to have maintained an active, healthy and independent lifestyle at the age of 100 (as per Chinese calendar and traditions), passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 18, 2025, in Rocklin, California, surrounded by his loving family.

John was a devoted husband and loving father whose greatest joy in life was his family.  As it grew to include spouses, significant others, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, his heart expanded just as generously.  He often expressed how deeply blessed and grateful he felt, and his love and kindness embraced them all. 

John was born in China on February 2, 1926. In 1956, he married the love of his life, Sau. Together they were blessed with three children—Chuck, Susie, and Wayne. The family immigrated to Stockton, California in 1962, where they later welcomed Daniel, Peter, Andrew, and Vera, further enriching their close-knit household.

During his early years in Hong Kong, John worked at a Chinese medicinal shop preparing herbs and traditional medicines. He later found employment at the Hong Kong Electric Laundry Company, often traveling by ferry to work and spending several days away from home to support his family. After coming to the United States, John continued to work tirelessly, always learning and striving to better himself so he could provide for those he loved.

John began his career in America at Stockton’s well-known Islander Restaurant, where he was hired as a dishwasher and later advanced to the position of cook. He went on to become a partner and chef at the Far East Café.  He later joined the popular Sampan Chinese Smorgy where he served as head chef for many years, up until his retirement.  His chow mein and Chinese chicken salad were legendary among patrons, who agreed his dishes were truly “second to none.”

In 2001, John and Sau moved to Rocklin, California, where they spent their retirement years enjoying the comfort of family and the community around them. John treasured simple daily pleasures: morning walks, practicing Tai Chi, reading Chinese newspapers, and dining out with his children. These routines reflected his lifelong discipline, curiosity, and appreciation for life.

John had a deep and enduring passion for Tai Chi and took great pride in practicing and performing it with a group in Stockton.  After relocating to Rocklin, he continued his dedication to the art and discovered a new calling in sharing it with others. At his neighborhood park, he taught morning Tai Chi exercises to hundreds of students who were inspired by his vitality and gentle spirit. One admirer even created a Meetup page for his class, allowing his teachings to reach an even wider audience.

John was profoundly loved and respected by his students and friends, who will remember him not only for his skill, but for his patience, humility, and warmth. His influence touched countless lives, and his legacy of congeniality, enthusiasm, perseverance and generosity will live on in all who knew him.

Sau passed in May of the same year, 2025.  John and Sau are survived by their children Chuck (Aida), Susie (Kevin), Wayne (Laura), Daniel (Vivian), Peter (Julie), Andrew (Debby) and Vera (Mark).  They are also survived by their twelve grandchildren, Dr. Ashley (Dr. Andrew), Amelia (Brandon), April, Gina (Kelly), Kristina, Linda (Kevin), Philip (Sarah), Kyle (Brenda), AJ (Brittany), Jessica, Brandon and Kayla.  

In addition, they are survived by fifteen great-grandchildren: Olivia, KJ, Kiana, Kole, Kaie, Kodi, Konor, Kali Sau, Xavier, Saoirse, Theodore, Liam, Amelia, Elizabeth, and Adeline — with more expected in 2026.

VISITATION AND SERVICE:
A visitation will be held at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home in Lodi, CA on Monday, January 19, 2026 from 10:00am – 12:00 pm.  Funeral services will follow at 1:00 pm, with a Celebration of Life after the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association via this link https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/HUIEFAMILY

Friends and family are also able to donate by texting HUIEFAMILY to 71777 (message and data rates may apply)

or to the Chinese Benevolent Association.  Donations can be made in memory of John K. Huie to CBA, 212 East Lafayette St, Stockton, CA  95203.

Condolences may be left in John’s online guestbook at https://www.cherokeememorial.com

Beverly Maragliano

June 29, 1935 - December 18, 2025

Beverly Joan Maragliano passed away on December 18, 2025, at the age of 90 years. Bev was born on June 29, 1935, to John and Mary Garibaldi in Stockton, CA.

Growing up, Bev lived on Ferguson Road a short walk through the orchard from where she would live her married life with her husband Tom and children Pam and Tommy. She attended St. Mary’s High School and after graduating, worked at New York Life.

As a young woman, Bev enjoyed attending the local dances, and met Tom Maragliano at a dance in the gym at Linden High School. They were married in May 1955 and lived in a house on Flora Street in Stockton. Bev and Tom lived there until 1963 when they moved to their new home in the country. She was married to Tom for 66 years. Bev enjoyed getting together with her many sets of friends, including on vacations to Lake Tahoe, Santa Cruz, Hawaii, and camping in their trailer. She was involved with her kids’ elementary school and PTA and enjoyed the various Italian organizations to which she belonged (where she would often enjoy her classic Campari and OJ).

Once she and Tom retired (she did the bookkeeping for the business), they traveled the country in their motor home. Bev loved spending time with her grandchildren, attending events and babysitting. The grandkids have fond memories of the motorhome, leg tickles, making puzzles, handwritten cards and letters, and Noni’s homemade meals, pasta with pesto, chocolate biscotti, canned peaches, french toast, and applesauce. Bev was a devoted and loving wife, mother, and Noni. She is survived by her daughter Pam (John Zidich), son Tommy (Yvette) and four grandchildren: Katie Mann (Jack), Ali Zidich, Nick Maragliano and Gianna Maragliano. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Melvin, and husband Tom.

SERVICE
Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 12th, 2026, at 10:00 am at Vineyard Chapel, 14165 Beckman Road, Lodi, CA  95240. Interment will be private. Visitation will precede the funeral services, starting at 9:15 am. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Hospice of San Joaquin.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Maragliano family.

Jean Nelle Anderson

Jean Nelle Anderson

August 7, 1929 - December 18, 2025

Obituary

Jean Anderson, age 96, passed away December 18, 2025 in Lodi, CA. Jean was born in Hubert, Oklahoma, moved to Buckeye, Arizona and then French Camp, CA in 1944. Where she met and married her husband, James Anderson in 1951.

James and Jean moved to Lodi where they raised 3 daughters: Gay Giger, husband Dave Giger; Joy Rollings, husband Calvin Burress; and Merri Wagner, husband Robert Wagner. Jean also had one grandchild, Garrett Giger.

Jean was preceded in death by her late husband James, daughter Gaydean, sons-in-law Calvin Burress and Robert Wagner.

Visitation

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 From 1:00pm - 7:00pm at

Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

Service

 A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at Cherokee Memorial Park, located off Highway 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi CA, 95240.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Anderson family.

Please leave your condolences below.

 

Clark James Trieber

June 18, 1949 - December 16, 2025

Obituary

Clark J Trieber 76 of Lodi, California passed away on December 16, 2025. 

Born June 18,1949 and raised in Lodi by Mother Mary J. Haupt and Stepfather Victor C.

Haupt Sr. Clark was very fond of his cat Blondie and his favorite hangout with his dearest friend George Gladius and many other friends he considered his second family at Ollie’s Pub in  downtown Lodi.

He is survived by his Mother Mary J Haupt of Lodi, Sisters Donna Soumi (West Sacramento), Cathy Lauchland, (Ted) of Lodi. Brothers Vic Haupt Jr. and Mark Haupt both of Lodi. Clark was a proud Uncle to Daniel Lauchland (Alexis), Scott Lauchland (Kristen) of Lodi, and Phillip Lauchland (MacKenzie) of Fresno. Grand Nieces and Nephews, Lucas and Lily (Lodi), Grace and Hannah (Lodi), Darcy and Wesley (Fresno).

Clark is Preceded in Death by Stepfather Victor C. Haupt Sr.

Services
Funeral Services will be held at Cherokee Memorial Park, located off of Highway 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi CA, 95240 in Evergreen Chapel at 1:00pm on Friday, January 2, 2026.


Memorial Contributions may be made to:

Hospice of San Joaquin

3888 Pacific Ave. 

Stockton, CA 95204

www.hospicesj.org.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Trieber  family

J Jesus Vega

October 16, 1963 - December 16, 2025

VISITATION
A visitation will be held from 4:00pm - 8:00pm with a rosary starting at 6:00pm on Thursday, January 8th, 2026 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

MASS
Mass will be held at 10:00am on Friday, January 9th, 2026 at St. Anne's Catholic Church  located at 215 W. Walnut St Lodi, CA 95240.  

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Vega family.

Janice Strobel

April 13, 1942 - December 15, 2025


OBITUARY

Janice was at home, surrounded by her loving family, when her Lord and Savior called her home on December 15, 2025. She was 83.

Janice was born on April 13, 1942, on the family farm in Hazelton, North Dakota, where she spent most of her childhood. She attended Bismarck High School, and on March 11, 1959, she married Darwin Strobel. They had two children in Bismarck, then moved to Lodi, California, in 1961, where they welcomed their third child. In 1969, they relocated their little family to Citrus Heights, California, and finally, in 1976, they purchased a home on a small parcel of land in Orangevale, where both Janice and Darwin would one day take their final breath.

Janice was a devout Christian; her love for the Lord seemed woven into the tapestry of her being. So, it was no surprise when, shortly after moving to Citrus Heights, both Janice and Darwin became members of The Lutheran Church of the Ascension in 1977, where they remained active for more than 50 years. Janice devoted as much time as she could in service to God. She served as Secretary and later President of the church council; sang in the choir; served as a Stephen Minister; led weekly Bible studies; coordinated soup suppers during the Lenten season; taught Sunday School; and contributed in countless other ways—all while raising her three children and working full-time as a hairdresser.

There was a short hymn sung at the end of every worship service that Janice loved so much she had a personalized license plate made with its name. Since plates are limited to seven characters, it read “DOXOLGY”—a tribute to the Doxology

Praise God from Whom all blessings flow; Praise Him all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

Janice loved to travel, and she was able to see much of the world during her life, including cherished trips to the Holy Land and to her ancestral homelands of Russia and Germany. She embarked on many cruises, sailing through the Panama Canal, around the Hawaiian Islands, and throughout the Greek Isles. She spent time in Egypt, Israel, China, Italy, the Netherlands, Bavaria, France, Denmark, Switzerland, Norway, Portugal, Poland, Ireland, New Zealand, Tahiti, Mexico, Canada, the Bahamas, and Colombia—just to name a few! She also traveled extensively throughout the United States, visiting nearly all 50 states. She journeyed with friends from church, as well as with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Janice was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Darwin; her parents, Jacob and Christine (Olhauser) Fried; and her siblings Rebecca Williams, Wilbert Fried, Viola Heinle, Clayton Fried, LeRoy Fried, her twin sister and best friend Janet Horner, and Johnny Fried. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Janell and Barry Koeppel; her sons, Randall and Daniel Strobel; her grandchildren Misty, Gretchn, and Ryan; and her great-grandchildren Taylor, Alexander, Jocylyn, Gillian, and Ashton.

Janice was cherished by her family, and she will be deeply and forever missed.

Flowers may be sent to Lutheran Church of the Ascension. Donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to the same.


VISITATION
A visitation and service will be held from 12:00pm - 1:00pm on Wednesday, January 21st, 2026 at the Evergreen Chapel  at Cherokee Memorial Park, located off of Highway 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi CA.

SERVICE

Memorial Service January 20, 2026 at 11:00am at Lutheran Church of the Ascension 7607 Garden Gate Drive Citrus Heights, California

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Strobel family.

Cherokee Memorial Park is a 501(c)13 non-profit company, owned and operated exclusively for the benefit of the community, serving Lodi, Stockton, Galt, Manteca and the San Joaquin Valley since 1940.

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